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Liberal Arts - Political Science

Program Codes: LAPOS.AA
Associate in Arts Degree

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The study of Political Science is also the study of political philosophy and the study of government. It has a kinship with the sciences of psychology, sociology, and economics, and also with humanities such as philosophy, history, and literature.

Political Science at Middlesex addresses practical questions: “Who has power?” “How are governments organized?” “How are decisions made?” “Who gets what?” It also considers ideas and values such as democracy, liberty, order, equality and justice.

Successful completion of the degree is a prelude to a career in Public Service (Government), the Non-Profit Sector, or the Practice of Law.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
  • Gather, analyze, and synthesize relevant information from various sources and contexts and apply it in an informed and responsible way to address issues within the field of political science.
  • Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing using APA formatting.
  • Analyze the major frameworks in political science.
  • Discuss both global and national institutional, governmental, political and public policy systems and structures.
Contact the Department Chairperson

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.  Courses may have prerequisite or corequisite requirements.  Check course descriptions for details.

 

SEMESTER I

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

OR

SEMESTER 2

3

Select one of the following History sequences:

HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222

3

Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).

SEMESTER 3

3

Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

OR

OR

3

Take a 200-Level Political Science (POS) Elective.

3

Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).

Suggested Diversity Electives:

SOC-205 - Diversity and Multiculturalism in US Society

HIS-260 - Dimensions of Prejudice, Genocide and the Holocaust

3

Choose one 3-credit Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).

SEMESTER 4

3

Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).

3

Take a 200-Level Political Science (POS) Elective.

OR

OR

OR

OR

3

Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, AGD, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, CPT, DAN, DMA, EDU, ENG, FRE, FSC, GER, GLS, HCS, HED, HIN, HIS, IDC, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PCP, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.

HED-150 or HED 200 are recommended.

Total Credits 60

Contact Information

History and Social Sciences

Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair 
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu 
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/


Frequently Asked Questions

Why study the Liberal Arts?

A Liberal Arts education helps students develop strong and ordered minds as they explore the world’s collected wisdom in literature, history, mathematics, science, philosophy and the arts. It teaches them to recognize and construct arguments, to appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, and to have a sense of scholarship about the lives and events that have gone before. Liberal Arts emphasis on language helps students broaden their cultural perspective and become more aware of their own identity. Courses comprising a Liberal Arts education at Middlesex County College are the core of all liberal arts programs at the bachelor’s level. Students may select the general degree, the most flexible of all our Liberal Arts programs, or one of the many specialized options.

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?

Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.

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